Big Manistee River

For the first 28 miles, the one to three feet deep river twists through cedar swamps. At mile 40, Portage Creek enters the main stream. The water continues fast to the backwaters of Hodenpyl Dam where pike, bass and panfish can be caught. The portage is on the north side of the dam. A quarter-mile portage at Tippy Dam is also on the north side. Downstream of this dam, the river runs through 90 miles of wild country, requiring a minimum of at least two days to cover. Counties: Crawford, Missaukee, Kalkaska and Manistee. Length: 200 Miles. Location: From west of Frederic to the dock area on the north end of Manistee Lake.